HPV, or human papilloma virus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to pick up and impossible to cure. Sounds scary? We answer our most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What is this virus? New?
HPV is actually as old as the world. It causes warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
These viruses were grouped together in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is about 600. It is possible that there are actually many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them are low onco risk and others high onco risk. In modern medical practice it is not common to check for the presence of all 600 species, the main thing is to find out if a person is transporting 16 species, 14 of which cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which also need to be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women, because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops from the destructive effects of HPV within cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sex and home routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability that a woman becomes infected in the first years of sexual activity is higher than 50%. The safest way to avoid HPV infection is to refrain from occasional unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection since HPV is transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes: kissing, contact during foreplay and oral sex.
The likelihood of gaining a positive increase with the number of sexual partners: the more sexually active you are, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Household transfer is also possible: when using someone else’s towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with the virus, chances are you have it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange growths on your skin, notify your boyfriend immediately and get the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to take a gynecological swab for HPV and cytology. As already mentioned, only 16 strains of the virus are checked. It is possible to suspect the presence of the 6th or 11th strain without tests: if you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, then you are most likely a carrier of the papilloma virus, and the tests will confirm this.
As for high-risk viruses, they do not manifest and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - analysis for cytology, cervical colposcopy and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains of high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous for women who do not pass the annual PAP test (cytological analysis) at the gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, so at this time HPV is incorporated into the cell and changes its structure, turning it into malignant. Malignant cells help determine the cytological analysis, which is taken by a gynecologist once every six months or a year, in addition to a routine examination. By the way, it’s better not to miss them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't ride your horses. As we have already said, during their lifetime, more than 80% of women on the planet have time to get HPV. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It will take a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Visit the gynecologist's annual appointments, get tested on time, and then the doctor diagnoses the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in the cells long before the cancer develops.
Even if you find one or even several of the 14 highly oncogenic virus types, cytological analysis does not necessarily show the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely found in the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and read on.
Is HPV treatable?
“If HPV is so dangerous, then it needs to be treated urgently! ” - maybe that thought went through your head. Unfortunately, so far medicine has not found any way or cure to help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a proper lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effects of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genitals, they will have to be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can warts be removed?
No, you can't: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment will become less effective. In addition, you are unlikely to want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant sensations will occur during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, your relationship with your partner.
Can I go it alone?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and daily use of local antiviral agents (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these measures can lead to the disappearance of warts.
However, there is good news: HPV cannot be treated, but in most cases it eliminates itself, losing an unequal battle with strong immunity. This occurs within two years of infection, and in a young, strong organism the process naturally goes faster.
Is it possible to be re-infected by a sexual partner?
How! And warts that you removed earlier can reappear. If your man is infected and has external manifestations of the virus - genital warts, there is a high probability that he will be infected again. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use protective methods of protection, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and carry out appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, don't hide it from your partner. He may not need complex treatment, but immuno-modulating therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.